Tunisia's Trade Balance Records a Deficit of 20,168.5 MTND
Trade Exchange Results with the Outside World at Current Prices
The results of Tunisia's trade exchanges with the outside world, at current prices, until the end of November 2025, show a record deficit of 20,168.5 MTND. During the same period in 2024, the deficit was 16,758.5 MTND.
Causes of the Deficit
This deterioration is the result of a mere 1.5% increase in exports, to 57,916.6 MTND, compared to an acceleration of imports of 5.8% over the same period, to 78,085.1 MTND.
Breakdown by Sector
By sector, exports were affected by the decline in olive oil sales, to 3,470.7 MTND in 2025 compared to 4,456.2 MTND in 2024, resulting in a limited food balance surplus of 875.5 MTND. The main contributors to exports remain:
- Mechanical and Electrical Industries (28,533.4 MTND)
- Textile, Clothing, and Leather (10,281.7 MTND) The European Union is Tunisia's largest customer, absorbing 70.5% of its sales.
Imports
The European Union is also Tunisia's largest supplier, with a share of 43.3% as of the end of November 2025. Imports of equipment goods (+14.6% to 10,973.6 MTND) and raw materials and semi-finished products (+6.6% to 26,318.4 MTND) indicate a dynamic industrial production sector. However, the increase in imports of consumer goods (+11% to 18,874.4 MTND) shows that local supply remains insufficient, presenting a real opportunity for development. Purchases of energy products recorded a decline of 4.2% year-over-year, as did food products (-7.7%).
Impact on the Balance of Payments
These figures will certainly weigh on the balance of payments, but it is essential to consider that it remains resilient. The good performance of the industrial sector is positive news, but it is time to think about access to financing, one of the obstacles to promoting national production.
